A Wendy’s double cheeseburger deluxe is a popular menu item that packs a lot of calories and fat. For people watching their weight or managing health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, knowing the calorie count of this indulgent burger is important.
The Basics of the Wendy’s Double Cheeseburger Deluxe
The Wendy’s double cheeseburger deluxe starts with two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, tangy pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. It’s all served on a toasted bun.
This is definitely an indulgent, higher calorie sandwich. The two quarter pound beef patties alone account for a significant amount of the calories. Each patty provides about 225 calories. The two slices of cheese add an additional 160 calories. And the mayonnaise-based sauces like ketchup and mayo, and the oil used for frying the onions, further drive up the calorie count.
Total Calories in a Wendy’s Double Cheeseburger Deluxe
According to the Wendy’s website nutrition information, a double cheeseburger deluxe contains a total of 770 calories.
That calorie count is for the standard sandwich. Customizing your deluxe cheeseburger with additional toppings like bacon can add even more calories.
Calories by Ingredient
To better understand where those nearly 800 calories come from, here is a breakdown of the calorie count for each ingredient in a Wendy’s double cheeseburger deluxe:
- Bun: 250 calories
- Beef patties: 450 calories (2 patties at 225 calories each)
- Cheese: 160 calories (2 slices at 80 calories each)
- Onions: 30 calories
- Pickles: 5 calories
- Ketchup: 60 calories
- Mustard: 5 calories
- Mayonnaise: 90 calories
As you can see, the two beef patties combined provide nearly 60% of the calories. The bun and cheese are also significant sources of calories in this burger.
Nutrients in a Wendy’s Double Cheeseburger Deluxe
In addition to calories, looking at the full nutrient profile of this Wendy’s burger can provide more insight into its nutritional value.
Here are some key nutrients found in a Wendy’s double cheeseburger deluxe:
- Total fat: 43g
- Saturated fat: 16g
- Trans fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
- Sodium: 1330mg
- Total carbs: 49g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 44g
As these nutrition facts highlight, the double cheeseburger deluxe is very high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. The total fat content is more than half of the daily value. It provides a significant amount of protein but is lacking in fiber.
How the Wendy’s Double Cheeseburger Deluxe Compares
To put the calorie and nutrient information into context, here is how the Wendy’s double cheeseburger deluxe compares to some other menu items:
| Menu Item | Calories | Total Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wendy’s Double Cheeseburger Deluxe | 770 | 43g | 1330mg |
| Wendy’s Cheeseburger | 370 | 19g | 820mg |
| Wendy’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich | 440 | 23g | 900mg |
| Wendy’s 4 Piece Chicken Nuggets | 190 | 12g | 470mg |
| Wendy’s Small Chili | 210 | 9g | 790mg |
Compared to a regular cheeseburger or chicken sandwich, the double cheeseburger deluxe has around double the calories. It also has significantly higher amounts of fat and sodium compared to most other Wendy’s items.
How to Make a Wendy’s Double Cheeseburger Healthier
While the calories and fat can quickly add up when dining on a double cheeseburger deluxe, there are some ways to enjoy it a little more healthfully:
- Request no mayonnaise or other special sauces to cut out extra fat and calories.
- Ask for extra vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion for more fiber.
- Order a side salad instead of fries for a lower calorie accompaniment.
- Split the burger in half and share it with a friend.
- Opt for a grilled chicken sandwich instead to reduce saturated fat.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea rather than soda.
While these tweaks make the meal healthier, keeping portions in check is also key when indulging in such a high calorie item.
Should You Eat a Wendy’s Double Cheeseburger Deluxe Every Day?
With 770 calories, 43 grams of fat, and 1330 milligrams of sodium, the Wendy’s double cheeseburger deluxe packs some hefty nutrition stats. Eating it daily could have negative impacts on your health.
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting the following per day:
- Calories: 2,000 for women, 2,500 for men
- Saturated fat: 20 grams
- Sodium: 2,300 milligrams
Just one Wendy’s double cheeseburger deluxe provides over a third of the recommended saturated fat and more than half the suggested sodium for the entire day. Eating it regularly could increase your risks for obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other chronic diseases.
While an occasional double cheeseburger treat is unlikely to negatively impact health, making it a regular part of your daily diet is not recommended. Enjoy it sparingly as part of an overall balanced diet.
Healthier Fast Food Options
When a fast food burger craving strikes, the Wendy’s double cheeseburger deluxe can certainly hit the spot. But there are more waistline-friendly options at Wendy’s and other quick-serve restaurants. Some healthier fast food choices include:
- Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Subway 6-inch Turkey Breast Sandwich
- Taco Bell Fresco Chicken Soft Taco
- McDonald’s Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Burger King Whopper Jr. with no mayo
- Chipotle Chicken Bowl with salsa, beans, veggies
Building a better fast food meal generally involves opting for grilled chicken, less fatty burger options, and adding extras like veggies and beans. Taking control of sauces and dressings also makes a significant impact.
Should You Avoid Fast Food Entirely?
With excessive calories, fat, sugar, and sodium, fast food has been tied to rising rates of obesity. But banning it entirely may not be necessary for everyone.
You can continue enjoying fast food like a Wendy’s double cheeseburger in moderation by:
- Keeping it as an occasional treat rather than regular meal
- Splitting or ordering kid-size portions to control calories
- Pairing it with healthier side dishes like salad or fruit
- Sticking to sensible serving sizes instead of super-sizing
- Choosing healthier menu options like grilled chicken sandwiches or wraps
Prioritizing home cooked meals made with whole foods provides the best nutrition. But allowing yourself a small fast food splurge from time to time can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.
The Bottom Line
At 770 calories, 43 grams of fat, and 1330 milligrams of sodium, the Wendy’s double cheeseburger deluxe packs a major caloric punch. While an occasional indulgence is unlikely to harm your health, making it a regular part of your diet could lead to weight gain and increase disease risk.
To enjoy fast food more healthfully, opt for grilled chicken, smaller burgers, and veggie toppings over fried, high-fat meats and sauces. Keeping your fast food fix to just once or twice a week and focusing the rest of your diet on whole, minimally processed foods will help keep your health on track.
